1 Samuel 27: Seven Signs of a Backslidden Believer from David’s Second Flight to Gath

Introduction:

After sneaking into a camp of 3,000 soldiers to steal Saul’s spear, he restrained his servant from killing Saul. He then gently corrected Saul to resolve their dispute peaceably (1 Sam. 26). And this was the second time that David had acted in faith to defuse a conflict with Saul (1 Sam. 24). David might have seemed ready to be king. Yet, moments after reaching this spiritual mountain top, he looked down and became filled with fear. In a panic, he would soon take refuge amongst his enemies and compromise in his walk. From David’s mistakes, God reveals seven warning signs that you have backslidden in your walk. These include: (1) doubt, (2) worldliness, (3) surrender, (4) compromise, (5) complacency, (6) lawlessness, and (7) lies.

First, despite being delivered many times, David doubted in God’s protection and fled to his enemies for protection. From David’s mistake, God reveals that doubting God’s promises is a sign that you have backslidden. Second, David sought to live in the world with his two wives instead of living according to God’s Word amongst the Jews. From David’s mistake, God reveals that a worldly life style is also a sign of a backslidden walk. Third, David gave up on fighting for God’s kingdom when he lived with his enemies. Saul no longer needed to pursue David because he had won the battle. From David’s mistakes, God reveals that surrendering to evil is another sign of a backslidden walk. Fourth, David declared himself a servant to a Philistine king and asked for a land inheritance in exchange for the promise of tribute. From David’s mistakes, God reveals that compromising with evil is also a sign of a backslidden walk. Fifth, David lived amongst the Philistines for 16 months without trying to serve God. From David’s mistake, God reveals that complacency is another sign of a backslidden walk. Sixth, David raided and killed villagers as a bandit without any direction from God and for his own glory. From David’s mistake, God reveals that lawlessness is also a sign of a backslidden walk. Finally, David used lies and deceit to conceal from his Philistine master that he was killing Canaanites. Like his other mistakes, lies and deceit are also signs of a backslidden walk.

1. Doubt: Doubting God’s Promises is a Sign that You Have Backslidden. 1 Sam. 27:1.

2. Worldliness: A Worldly Lifestyle is Also a Sign of a Backslidden Walk. 1 Sam. 27:2-3.

3. Surrender: Surrendering to Evil is Another Sign of a Backslidden Walk. 1 Sam. 27:4.

4. Compromise: Compromising with Evil is Also a Sign of a Backsliding. 1 Sam. 27:5.

5. Complacency: Complacency is Another Sign of a Backslidden Walk. 1 Sam. 27:6-7.

6. Lawlessness: Lawlessness is Also a Sign of a Backslidden Walk. 1 Sam. 27:8-9.

7. Lies: Lies and Deceit Are Also Signs of a Backslidden Walk. 1 Sam. 27:10-12.